Catching Up With The Common Good

McKeen Center News 

Please note the application deadline to apply for the Making Meaning of Migration cohort (details below) is Friday, October 3rd!

 

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BOWDOIN OPPORTUNITIES 

Grad School Night: Psychology and Social Work  
Monday, September 29th, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm  
Learn about grad school and degree options for Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work. We will have practitioners with these degrees on hand to discuss graduate school, what you can do with your degree, licensing, and anything else on your mind! LEARN MORE!  
 
Bowdoin Collective for the Environment: Kickoff Dinner! 
Monday, September 29th, 5:15-6:15pm 
Thorne Dining Hall 
Come chat with us over dinner to learn about environmental volunteering opportunities and get to know each other! Questions? Email Margaret Chioffi '28.  
 
Philip Gregory '76 on campus!  
Dinner with Phil: Tuesday, 9/30, 5:00pm, Thorne 
Talk by Phil: Tuesday, 9/30, 7:30pm, VAC 
Meet & Greet with Phil: Wednesday, 10/01, 9:45am Ladd 
Head to CampusGroups to register for any of these events! 
Across the globe, young people are taking governments to court to fight for their constitutional right to a livable climate. Philip Gregory, co-lead counsel in landmark youth-led cases such as Juliana v. United States, Held v. Montana, and Lighthiser v. Trump, will share cutting-edge legal strategies behind the climate litigation movement that’s reshaping environmental law and empowering the next generation.  
 
Bowdoin Public Service in Washington  
Program for sophomores only: Info Session 
Wednesday, October 1st, 7:00-8:15 pm 
Lancaster Lounge, Moulton Union  
Application open October 2nd-15th! 
The Bowdoin Public Service in Washington program provides a cohort of sophomores with the opportunity to participate in an educational and professional development seminar series on topics in government and public service, followed by a one-week intensive immersion trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with alumni and others engaged in substantive government work. Topics of exploration vary from year to year, and may include foreign policy, economic policy, law, national security, and media/journalism. We seek applicants from all academic disciplines, backgrounds, and political perspectives. At this info session you can learn more about the program and the application process. Questions? Email Chloë Sheahan '26 or Ruby Fyffe '26.  

Beyond Borders: Making Meaning of Migration  
Applications due October 3rd! 
Join this small cohort to better understand immigration and migration from local, national, and global perspectives! We will explore current events and questions related to these topics. Through a series of 6 weekly group events, you will have the opportunity to participate in in-depth discussions, meet local community partners and visit their sites as well as attend educational events. This is only 6 hours of commitment across an entire semester, and at the end, you will receive a LinkedIn badge from the McKeen Center! Applications LINKED HERE. For any questions, feel free to contact Gary Hernandez ‘27 (ghernandez@bowdoin.edu) or Anna Tran ‘26 (atran3@bowdoin.edu).  

FAO Schwarz Fellowship in Social Impact Info Session - October 2025  
Thursday, October 2nd, 1:00 pm–1:45pm   
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is a selective national Fellowship program for graduating college seniors interested in social impact careers. The Fellowship positions are paid, two-year experiences working at carefully selected nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. These roles combine direct service with strategic projects that give Fellows a chance to deepen their understanding of social issues, gain leadership experience in managing program initiatives, and explore how nonprofits work to respond to community needs and create lasting change. Between five to seven new Fellowship positions are typically available each year. At this info session, you'll learn: about the Fellowship experience, directly from current Fellows; the 2026-2028 cohort's host organizations; what we're looking for in a Fellowship candidate; timeline and tips for applying. LEARN MORE!  

NESCAC CCS Fundraising Info Session  
Thursday, October 2nd, 6:00pm–6:45 pm  
CCS is a mission-driven consulting firm that partners with nonprofit organizations to enact meaningful social change. Their work spans across multiple sectors including human services, higher education, arts & culture, environmental protection, and more. Who should attend: seniors considering full-time roles; those interested in consulting for nonprofits or mission-driven work; anyone curious about how nonprofits are advised, managed, and supported behind the scenes; students with interest in project management, analytics, systems, leadership, or client work. What you’ll gain: insight into what a full-time role at CCS looks like; an understanding of career paths with CCS: entry roles, growth opportunities, learning & leadership programs; real talk about what skills, experiences, and mindsets help candidates stand out; Q&A with current CCS Consultants; and tips on how to tailor applications and prepare for interviews in the nonprofit consulting space. LEARN MORE!  
 
Jobs & Internships in Mission-Driven Investment Management w/ TIFF  
Thursday, October 2nd, 12:00 pm–1:00pm   
Curious about mission-driven investment management? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with two distinguished alumni from TIFF Advisory Services, a nonprofit investment advisor serving endowments, foundations, and other charitable organizations. Elizabeth Egan ’12 (Director) and Nicholas Lam ’22 (Analyst) both work on the Private Markets investment team. They will share their career journeys, give insight into TIFF’s distinctive approach to managing capital for nonprofits, and talk about what makes their work meaningful, impactful, and intellectually engaging. TIFF is currently hiring for its Summer 2026 Internship Program (ideal for students in the Class of 2027). Whether you're interested in finance, social impact, or just want to learn more about a collaborative, mission-oriented firm, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. LEARN MORE!  
 
Bowdoin Volleyball's Dig Pink 
Match & Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research & Awareness 
Friday, October 3rd, Bowdoin vs Amherst ~6:45pm-8:45pm 
Saturday, October 4th, Bowdoin vs Hamilton ~1:45-3:45pm 
Morrell Gymnasium 
The Bowdoin volleyball team is hosting their annual Dig Pink event to raise funds for the SideOut Foundation, an organization that provides unique treatments for metastatic cancer patients by recommending clinical treatment plans that are personalized to each patient. Donate and share the fundraiser to join us in support of the Side Out Foundation’s work toward fighting breast cancer! We greatly appreciate any support you can offer. Learn more or donate at our fundraising page: https://giving.side-out.org/campaigns/21860. You can contribute with a set donation, or by pledging an amount per dig!! Last year we set a record of over $5,600!! Help us set a new one!! The fundraiser will be running through the end of October.  
 
Dora Rodriguez: A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain 
Saturday, October 4th, 5:00pm 
Beam Classroom, VAC 
Join LASO, the Center for Multicultural Life and ABLAS for a book signing and talk from activist and author Dora Rodriguez. In a life-saving attempt to flee El Salvador’s civil war in 1980, Dora Rodriguez was one of thirteen survivors found near death after crossing the Sonoran Desert. By courageously sharing her story and standing in unwavering support of migrant rights, Dora became a leading voice in Tucson’s Sanctuary movement. Through public speaking and advocacy, Dora educates communities about the dangers migrants face in the desert and works to inspire change in the face of injustice. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband and is a proud mother of five and grandmother. Dora serves as Founder and Director of Salvavision, a nonprofit offering aid and support to migrants and deportees. 

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 

 

Maine Hunger Dialogue (MHD) 2025 
Register by Friday, October 10th 
Event is Friday, October 17th, in South Portland 
This year, the MHD is evolving into a more focused discussion to address the changing landscape of food security. The Maine goal to End Hunger by 2030 is a key priority. We believe the college cohort of today can be a critical part of achieving this mission. Now is the perfect time to develop a strategy for the years ahead.Join us for this free conference where you'll connect with fellow students through dynamic speakers, small group discussions, and large group exchanges. We've got you covered with all meals included. Faculty, staff and professional are a key part of this as well. Teams of students guided by staff or faculty can apply for mini-grants to implement ideas that come from this conference. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register by October 10! For assistance, contact sslovenski@compact.org. Questions about transportation from Bowdoin? Email mbirnbau@bowdoin.edu.  
 
Opportunities with Multilingual Mainers 
We are excited to share two new opportunities to volunteer with Multilingual Mainers! Whether you’re a current volunteer and want to add to your schedule, or new and curious to join, we’d love to have you involved. (1) Bridges to Belonging: Supporting New Mainers Through Language & Community.  
This new initiative brings together community partners to support English learners in our area. The program creates a welcoming space for New Mainers (recent immigrants and refugees) to practice English, build confidence, and connect with their new community. Volunteers will chat with participants, lead fun activities, and help create a supportive, social environment where everyone can learn together. No teaching experience required. Perks: Snacks provided, plus regular volunteers will receive a certificate or LinkedIn badge recognizing their service. (2)Spanish Lunchtime Reading at Woodside Elementary (Topsham). Love reading aloud? Woodside Elementary (just 2 miles from campus) is excited to welcome Bowdoin student volunteers to read bilingual (Spanish/English) or Spanish-only books with small groups of students (grades 1–5). Commitment: Just 25 minutes/week. All books are provided! Note: Volunteers must complete a background check with Topsham Public Schools before starting. We look forward to welcoming you into one (or both!) of these vibrant community programs. Questions? Email Arianna Zou '28, Maya Benitez Longo '28, Sky Staes '26, or Aaniyah Simmons '26. 
 
Now is the Time for Sacred Ground: Interfaith Conversations About Race  
Cohort starting Thursday, October 23rd 
At Curtis Memorial Library 
In times like these, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, angry, helpless, or unsure of what to do. With so many urgent and painful challenges unfolding, it can seem like nothing we do makes a difference. Sacred Ground offers space to learn, reflect, and better understand how we got here — and how we can move forward together. This 11-session, film- and readings-based dialogue program helps participants connect the dots between our country’s history and today’s realities, offering the tools needed to engage effectively in the work of racial healing. This program offers not only knowledge and skills, but community — a shared sense of purpose and a reminder that you are not alone in hoping for a more just future. Our upcoming group will meet at Curtis Library on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (10/23, 11/20, 12/18, 1/22, 2/26, 3/26, 4/23, 5/21, 6/25, 7/23, 8/27) Don't worry if there are one or two meetings of your chosen group that you can't attend - life happens! Please join the conversation. Learn more and register at https://stpaulsmaine.org/learning-sacred-ground-new/ or contact our Program Coordinator at SacredGroundME@gmail.com. Please note: While this program began in The Episcopal Church, these groups are specifically designed to be interfaith and are NOT religious in nature.  
 
Maine Solutions Challenge 
Apply by November 2nd, 2025 
Student teams are encouraged to apply for the Maine Solutions Challenge: Lobster Tank, a Maine Solutions Challenge, will be held on Nov 21st in Portland. Up to 4 teams of students currently enrolled at Maine colleges/universities will present solutions (business or product ideas, 3 min. pitches) to help the state of Maine. Team application deadline: Nov 2nd. Grand prize: Acceptance into the 2026 Maine Summer Accelerator. Focus areas: workforce crisis, aging population, healthcare access, housing affordability, rural sustainability, more. More information here.  
 
Campus CoGenerate Student Ambassador Opportunity 
Want to help build a more connected campus across generations? Join our Student Ambassador program! You'll be part of a national network, attend a few virtual meetups, and try out a simple project like a video, map, or article. You'll also get a certificate, visibility, and leadership skills. Just take a few moments to fill out this form, and we will reach out to you with next steps. Questions? Email mbirnbau@bowdoin.edu.

 

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